Present: Carol Keenan, Joan Haines, Christine Taylor, Kathleen Sullivan, Eileen Knapp, James Grise, Frank Meunier Jr., John Baker
Liaisons: Natalie Morrison
Also Present: Barbara Blejeweski
Introductions: Everyone introduced themselves.
Public Comment: There were some Dial-a ride concerns brought up. There have been incidents where the wheelchairs have not been tied down properly and the wheelchairs are moving around. This is very dangerous. When the driver was asked to help he didn't assist the passenger. Also some of the guide dogs are being fed treats by the bus drivers. The bus drivers should not be feeding or touching the guide dogs without asking the owner. Drivers need to be better informed and trained in regards to their passengers needs.
Minutes: A motion was made to accept the minutes of the May 18, 2005 meeting. The motion was seconded and all were in favor.
Group Homes: The First Church Village held it's last social club meeting of the season. There will be a new panel of officers taking over next season. The First Church Village picnic is being held on June 22nd. They have begun setting up the committee for the December Christmas Dinner.
We need to establish liaisons not only with group homes in Wethersfield, but also with other agencies which house the disabled, for example supported living housing. We will get a list together of the names of these other agencies for the September meeting so that we can contact them with upcoming events and information.
The summer picnic will be held on July 9th from 11:30a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Millwoods. Flyers will be sent out with all the details. A motion was made to donate $60.00 towards the summer picnic. The motion was seconded and all were in favor. Three group homes participated in the Special Olympics; congratulations go out to all our Wethersfield athletes who won both ribbons and medals.
Seniors: The Medicare Part D prescription program begins January 1, 2006. The Social Security Administration will begin sending mailings May 27th through August 16th 2005 based on recipient's social security number. Please read it thoroughly and hold onto all mailings you receive. There will be two informational sessions regarding this new program and how it can help you with the cost of your prescriptions. The dates of these sessions are Thursday, October 27, 2:00mp-4:00pm and Thursday, November 17, 6:00pm-8:00pm, both being held at the William Pitkin Community Center, 30 Greenfield Street Wethersfield, CT. These sessions are open to the public and you are encouraged to attend.
Parks and Recreation: The Nature Center held an open house on Saturday June 11th. The State Southern Games were held Friday June 10th-12th, all athletes did well. The Law Enforcement Torch Run with the Wethersfield Police Department was a success despite the heat on Thursday June 9th. The first Annual Roaring Thunder Motorcycle Ride is July 23rd with a rain date of July 24th. The Greenfield Playground is almost completed. We are still waiting on a few picnic tables and trash bins. Because of changes in regulations, a wheelchair swing was not able to be installed.
Transportation/Dial-A-Ride: The bill in the legislature to raise the fee of ADD was defeated. There will be no increase in the cost of transportation. There are still many concerns about the lack of training in regards to the bus drivers.
Resource Booklet: Kathleen Sullivan continues to make progress on the resource booklet. The goal is to have them finished by the fall. The purpose of this booklet is to provide a comprehensive guide of Wethersfield services for persons with disabilities. This information will be on our website but we will also have some booklets printed.
New Business: We will have a discussion of possible changes in the Bureau of Rehab Services in September.
Other: It is very difficult to cross Prospect Street to get to the new location of the Nature Center because there is no audible sound at this intersection.
Newington held the 2nd Central Regional Forum on the Community Inclusion of People with Disabilities meeting May 26th. There was a very interesting presentation by Greg Ryan from the Connecticut Assets Network regarding creating inclusive communities for everyone. This organization connects youths, adults and communities with asset-based approaches for building healthy neighborhoods schools and communities. If you are interested in learning more about this organization there will be another meeting "Inclusive Communities for Everyone" held Friday September 16, 2005 at the Farmington Marriott. Please call (860) 679-1500 for more information.
There will be no August meeting of the WACPD. The next meeting will be held on September 21, 2005 at 7:30p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen Knapp
Secretary